Funeral services for Rep. Ed Bideau, Chanute, who died Thursday evening, will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church, Chanute. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the church. THE LEGISLATIVE vacancy created by Bideau’s death will be filled by an appointment by Gov. Brownback, who will consider a nominee decided by Republican precinct representatives in the Ninth District, said Jim Talkington, chairman of the Allen County Republican Central Committee.
Bideau, who won election to the Kansas House in rousing fashion last November to represent Neosho and most of Allen County, died at his Chanute home Thursday, a day after a special legislative session ended.
Colleagues, shocked by the news, recalled the 62-year-old Republican’s talent and good nature in office. Cause of death was not released in a statement from Kansas House Speaker Ray Merrick’s office, citing his family’s privacy.
He and other legislators completed work Wednesday on making changes to the state’s “Hard 50” prison sentence law, wrapping up a two-day special session.
Gov. Sam Brownback offered his condolences and ordered flags to be lowered from sunrise to sunset the day of Bideau’s funeral. Arrangements are pending.
Bideau, a farmer and rancher in addition to having a private law practice in Chanute, previously served in the House from 1985 to 1988.
His 2012 election essentially occurred in the August primary, when he defeated Iola oilman Bud Sifers and Judy Brigham, former Iola administrator. Results had Bideau, who ran a vigorous campaign, with 2,002 votes, Sifers 924 and Brigham 663. The outcome in Allen County alone was closer, where Bideau edged Sifers 736-728, while Brigham had 585 votes.
Bideau had no opposition in the general election.
Bideau graduated from Chanute High School and Neosho County Community College, before he earned business and law degrees from Washburn University in Topeka. He also served as Neosho County attorney.
Bideau is survived by his wife, Margaret, three children and several grandchildren.
Brigham said she was shocked by Bideau’s death.
“I certainly haven’t changed my passion for being where needed,” she said, when asked if she would have interest in being a candidate for the vacancy. “I certainly would be willing to serve.
“Ed and I had a lot of discussions during the campaign,” she said. “Right now, I’m just going to wait and see what needs to be done.”
Sifers said he had just learned about Bideau’s death at mid-afternoon Friday, and “I haven’t had time to think much about,” his consideration of seeking the appointment.
“I guess my short answer would be if I were asked, I certainly would” accept an appointment, Sifers added. “I enjoyed my conversations with Ed and our debates. He was nice to me, and I had expected him to do well” in the Legislature.
(The Associated Press contributed to this story.)
Rep. Bideau dead at 62
